Nobody's Perfect

Leonard Loftus (Ian Dobson) is a staid statistician yet secret romantic novel writer.  He finds himself at the mercy of sexism when the raunchy novels he keeps submitting to feminist publishing house “Love is All Around” are sent back time after time.  So imagine his surprise and panic, when the book he submits under the pseudonym Myrtle Banbury wins first prize in the new writers competition being held by the publishing house and editor, Harriet Copeland (Anne Dobson) is determined to meet the “lady “of the moment.  Ian as both Leonard and Myrtle gave pleasingly contrasting performances.  In Leonard we saw the shy and reserved nature of a wounded divorcee frightened to show his real feelings to all around him whereas with Myrtle we witnessed a gregarious and self-assured character who knew what she wanted!  This presented wonderful comedic opportunities in the meeting of Myrtle and Harriet, and Ian and Anne drew out every laugh.  Anne, as the glamorous editor, also cultivated a balanced character.  Outwardly the strong and self-confident business woman, yet inwardly a hopeless romantic just trying to find the person who would make the trumpets sound!  Supporting Leonard in his exploits were his wily father Gus (Jon Risdon) and his sullen daughter Dee Dee (Laura Pinder).  Act 1 set the tone for the audience, and this built in Act 2 with the pace being maintained throughout, no mean feat when one cast member is playing a dual role.  The difficult telephone section in Act 2 was expertly devised and delivered.   This was an excellent choice of script to utilise a small yet accomplished cast, all of whom clearly enjoyed the performance.  The director and cast alike should be proud of this Easter treat. 

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